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Archive · March 21, 2026

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Story 01

Starling Bank Rolls Out Agentic AI Assistant to UK Retail Banking Customers

Starling Bank has launched an agentic AI financial assistant within its UK banking app, initially for personal accounts and with plans to expand to business and joint accounts. Starling positions itself at the forefront of AI integration in mainstream banking, raising the bar for digital engagement and operational efficiency. Competing banks now face pressure to accelerate their own AI deployments or risk losing tech-forward customers. Expect rapid follow-on moves as AI-driven customer interaction becomes table stakes for UK retail banking.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Nasdaq Gains SEC Approval for Trading Tokenized Securities

The SEC has approved Nasdaq’s proposal to list and trade shares of certain companies in tokenized form, according to Finextra. While this does not mean a full-scale launch of a tokenized stock trading platform, it marks a significant regulatory milestone for integrating digital assets into US capital markets. Nasdaq is now positioned to pilot tokenized securities within a regulated framework, and both traditional and digital asset operators should prepare for new compliance, custody, and distribution models. This move is expected to accelerate institutional interest and regulatory clarity around tokenized assets.

Source: Finextra
№03

UBS Gains US National Bank Charter, Expanding Wealth Management Reach

UBS has received approval to convert its US bank into a nationally chartered institution, unlocking the ability to offer a full suite of banking products across the United States. This strengthens UBS’s competitive position in the lucrative US wealth management market and signals a renewed push by global banks to deepen US operations. Rivals will need to accelerate product innovation and regulatory readiness to defend share. Expect increased competition for high-net-worth clients and cross-border flows.

Source: PYMNTS
№04

Crypto.com Cuts 12% of Staff to Double Down on AI-Driven Operations

Crypto.com has laid off 12% of its workforce, citing a strategic pivot toward AI-powered automation and operational efficiency. The reduction affects around 150 employees and signals a broader trend of crypto firms using AI to streamline processes and reduce costs. For digital asset operators, this highlights the growing pressure to automate back-office and compliance functions, not just customer-facing features. Those slow to adapt risk margin compression and operational lag.

Source: Finextra
№05

US Lawmakers Reach Breakthrough on Stablecoin Yield Rules in Crypto Bill

US lawmakers have reached an agreement in principle on how stablecoin yield will be treated in a forthcoming comprehensive crypto bill. This development brings long-awaited clarity for stablecoin issuers and institutional investors, potentially unlocking new product structures and mainstream adoption. Operators should prepare for increased regulatory oversight and standardized compliance requirements as the bill advances. The winners will be those who can rapidly align with evolving yield and disclosure frameworks.

Source: The Block
The Long Memory
“Did you know that in 2004, the first mobile payments were made in the Philippines using SMS-based technology called GCash? This innovative service allowed users to send money and pay bills directly from their mobile phones, marking a significant leap towards the mobile payment solutions we use today.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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